by Frances Madeson

mity Studios, owned and operated by the father and son team of Joseph and Richie Boruhov, is a busy, multilingual and multi-purpose shop, where customers can find a surprising number of services, both of the everyday and the more esoteric variety. “We see a need in the community and we try and fill it,“ says Richie Boruhov matter-of-factly, explaining why his one store contains so many disparate lines of business.

Photocopies, keys, shoe repair are but few of the services ably provided by Mr. Boruhov Sr. On the other side of the large store, Richie, a photographer and self taught framer, offers photo portraiture, passport photos, quality art framing, and most recently, near-magical photo restoration.

Advances in digital imagery technology make it possible to resurrect torn or faded family photos, to be passed on to future generations. But that’s not all—Richie can help you re-write family history! If your family experienced a painful divorce, or there’s a black sheep that stole the family silver, or an irritating interloper who always stuck his or her face in the family’s most private moments, ruining your enjoyment of looking at them – bring them to Richie. He will make it look like they were never there.

He can change the backgrounds, add hands and feet missing from the original, change the position of people in a group shot, and manipulate them to fit your desires. If your beloved Aunt couldn’t make the wedding, but was there in spirit – Richie will put her in the official shot, and no one will be the wiser. If you’re stuck next to the relative you’ve always liked the least, Richie will relocate you next to your favorite cousin. It really boggles the mind, but only your imagination—and chutzpah—are the limit.

“The restoration is priced by the job,” Richie explains, “depending on how much damage there is or how many features you want. We can restore, colorize or otherwise alter the images, in any combination.” It takes from two to three weeks, and your original is insured for loss.

And when your image is just how you like it, Richie will help you choose a frame for it. Meanwhile, Joseph will show you a nice pair of leather slippers, or fix the clasp on your handbag, or repair your watch, or…

Amity Studios, 377 Grand Street, 212.673.6055, Mon-Thu 9-7, Fri 9-3, Sun 10-6, Closed Saturdays